Kitchen Updates That Anyone Can Do

by Sarah Melito

5 Materials

$1500

Easy

I want to share with you all how you can update your kitchen by yourself and not break the bank!

kitchen updates that anyone can do, kitchen design, kitchen island, lighting, shelving ideas, tiling, window treatments

Let me start by showing you what our kitchen looked like before we moved in. Not hideous, but it was lacking a lot of love and that huge impact we wanted to make.

We didn't spend $25,000 on a new kitchen, and we didn't have to! I love our kitchen. I love every single thing we have done to it. Are there still a few things I want to change? Hell yeah I do! But, there are always things we are going to want to change about our home. We have many many years ahead of us and many projects left. A house becomes your home when you put work and love into it. What matters is what we can do and what we have done, and how much hard work we have already put into this place. Our kitchen updates cost us about $1,500 and we did everything ourselves.

1. Update the cabinet hardware.

I really do not like our cabinets. I want to replace the doors, but for now we changed the hardware on them. We got two 10-packs at home depot for $19.97 each. So this project cost about $40. Not bad, and I love the way they look. The hardware before was white and silver. Updating the cabinet hardware will give your cabinets a fresher look and make a huge difference.

2. Install an island.

I know what you're thinking. Install an island?! I seriously looked everywhere for an affordable island. We searched so many websites and stores. Then, I stumbled upon overstock.com and it ended up being about $700 for the island and chairs! An island will break up some empty space, create extra seating and counter space, and can be fun to decorate!

3. Add subway tile & open shelving.

This is something we were clueless on. We've actually been clueless on most of our projects. We looked everything up on YouTube. These are beveled subway tiles from Home Depot. They are sold in a box for $28. I believe we used 5 boxes, so we paid about $140. Home Depot also sells the grout kits and tells you what you will need on the bucket. We used dark grey grout. The shelves are Ekeby Hemnes from Ikea. They were $15 each, so total $60 for the 4 shelves! Subway tile and open shelving really opens up the space and brightens the room.

4. Update the light fixtures.

I just adore this vintage pendant light we bought at Lowes for $119.00. There was a huge hole in the ceiling from the light that was there before. We found a ceiling cover for it while we were at Lowes and then moved the chain over so it would fit right above our island. My hubby is not an electrician. He shut off the circuit breaker and matched the colored cables together. It took a few tries to get the wires tied together right, but overall it was a pretty simple project. Updating the light fixtures will really pull your kitchen together. It can make or break a space!

5. Repaint trim around windows and doors, & update window treatments.

The first thing we did when we moved in was paint all the baseboards, doors, and trim. It made a HUGE difference! You don't realize it until you do it, but if it's been a few years or you just moved into a new house; paint that trim and those baseboards! I promise you will notice how great it looks afterwards. I also bought some natural bamboo roman shades at Home Depot, which adds some texture to the kitchen too! Doing these updates are extremely cost effective as well.

Completing these small updates will make a HUGE impact on your kitchen! Check out the blog link below to get more details on this post, and follow me on Instagram @thebelmontranch for more home decor/home remodeling updates!

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You can do it! Saved to your projects

Cabinet Hardware (Home Depot)
Kitchen Island (Overstock)
Beveled Subway Tile/Grout (Home Depot)
Light Fixture (Lowes)
Open Shelving (Ikea)

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Frequently asked questions

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3 of 5 questions

Jas7144750 on Jul 14, 2016
Where can I get the wall rack for large mugs?

3
Lori on Jul 14, 2016
How did you hang the mug rack???

1
Gem8086815 on Jul 15, 2016
How was the flooring tile installed? Over existing? What prep was needed? Glued?

1

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2 of 67 comments

Anna Smith on Aug 13, 2016
Well done; it looks lovely. Why not put your bench on wheels? I did...it's great, move aroun,d( not breaking what's inside the cupboard), and clean under without back-breaking work!

1 Reply
Bea on Sep 10, 2016
The darker grout makes the subway tiles pop out and ties in nicely with the color of your counters. Nice job!

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